The festival honors the work of Richard Leigh, the 1973 VHCC graduate who wrote “Don’t it Make My Brown Eyes Blue,” the Crystal Gayle hit that was named “Best Country Song” at the 1978 Grammy Awards and later became one of the ten most performed Country Songs of the Century. Leigh was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1994 and will be joined on stage this Saturday by fellow inductees Tony Arata, Dennis Morgan, Mark D. Sanders and Roger Cook.

Their award winning hits have been recorded by such musical talents as Garth Brooks, Trace Adkins, Reba McEntire, George Strait, Faith Hill, and Randy Travis.

All proceeds from the festival will benefit the Great Expectations Program for foster student at VHCC. Because Leigh lost his parents at a young age and was later adopted, the cause is one close to his heart.

“I am pleased to have been asked to partner with the Great Expectations Program designed to assist former foster care students like myself pursue their college dreams,’’ he said. “Music and college changed my life 40-some years ago. It’s my hope that the songwriters festival will help do it all over again for others.”

The day-long festival includes:

Walk to Foster Hope at 9 a.m. - A 5K walk sponsored by DePaul Community Resources to raise awareness about foster care needs and services in our region.

Songwriting Contest at noon – The winners of our songwriting contest, which generated more than 45 entries, will be announced. Those who entered will be given an opportunity to perform an original tune.

Richard Leigh and Friends at 6:15 p.m. – This special event will begin with music by local talent Ed Snodderly. Richard Leigh and his fellow members of the Nashville Songwriters’ Hall of Fame will share their music and the stories behind their songs at 7 p.m.

Closing Concert at 9 p.m. – Featuring If Birds Could Fly, followed by Folk Soul Revival at 10:30 p.m.

All performances will be held indoors at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center. Food venders will be available throughout the day and a beer/wine bar will be provided by the Abingdon Rotary Club.

Tickets are $20 for students and $25 for all other guests and can be purchased at the door or online through PayPal at www.vhcc.edu/songwriters. A PayPal account is not required. Children under 6 will be admitted free.